Schools will open on August 24 as scheduled, Ogamba says

Schools in the country will open on Monday, August 24, 2026, as originally planned, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. In a statement released on Wednesday, August 19, the ministry clarified that the academic calendar for all basic education institutions and teacher training colleges remains unchanged. This announcement came amid widespread rumors on social media suggesting that the start of Term III had been delayed. The statement emphasized that the Ministry of Education had taken steps to address misinformation, directing regional and county education directors to enforce the academic schedule outlined in a circular issued on October 9, 2025. The directive ensures that all levels of schooling, from pre-primary to secondary, will begin Term III on August 24, with the term lasting until October 23, 2026. This period will serve as the final term of the academic year, during which students will engage in programs designed to prepare them for the end-of-year national assessments and examinations. Diploma-level teacher training colleges have also been instructed to resume classes on the same date, with their third term concluding on November 6, 2026. The Ministry confirmed that the national assessment and examination calendar remains unaffected, with key exams such as KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA, and KCSE set to commence on October 26, 2026, as previously announced. The Ministry also reiterated its stance on maintaining discipline within educational settings, reminding schools that extracurricular activities and visits to secondary schools will remain prohibited during Term III. These restrictions aim to minimize disruptions and ensure focused learning environments ahead of the major assessments. Ogamba’s message was clear: the government is committed to preventing confusion and ensuring that all stakeholders receive accurate information. He called on parents, teachers, and students to rely solely on official communication channels for updates, cautioning against the spread of unverified content found on social media platforms. The Ministry stressed that these platforms often host false claims, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety and misalignment with institutional plans. This clarification follows a broader effort by the Ministry to maintain order and clarity as schools prepare for the new term. With the reopening just days away, the focus is shifting toward logistical preparations and ensuring that all necessary resources are in place to support both educators and learners throughout the upcoming academic cycle. As the nation gears up for the resumption of classes, the emphasis remains on adherence to the official schedule and the importance of verified information. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further action should any discrepancies arise. The coming weeks will see increased coordination between local authorities and educational institutions to ensure a smooth transition into the new term.